Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the largest free zone in the UAE, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) India have announced their joint initiative to host the inaugural edition of the Global Gem & Jewellery Fair (GGJF) in Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, on 20-22 March, 2014.

With over 130 exhibitors participating from India and the GCC, the Global Gem & Jewellery Fair, supported by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG), will provide a platform for international buyers and sellers to trade top quality gems and couture jewellery. The three-day event is expected to attract visitors from across the globe including GCC, KSA, Egypt, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Singapore, Eastern Europe, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Pakistan and Malaysia.

“It is vital to continuously create new opportunities to nurture international relations with strong trading partners such as India. That is why we are collaborating with the GJEPC to introduce the inaugural Global Gem & Jewellery Fair to the region and the GCC market. We are proud to host this event and to welcome industry participants from across the globe to Dubai,” says Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC.

The UAE is a global hub for the gold bullion and jewellery trade, with gold jewellery consumption estimated at $2.5billion, making it one the top five in the world alongside China, India, the United States and Russia. The UAE alone accounts for 40% of India’s Gem and Jewellery Exports. India is the world leader in production of cut and polished diamonds, emeralds and tanzanites and with 14 out of 15 the world’s diamonds cut and polished in India, products of the highest quality including loose diamonds, loose coloured gemstones, plain gold jewellery as well as diamond and coloured stone studded jewellery, is expected on display at the GGJF 2014.

“India’s central role as the sourcing centre for diamonds and precious stones jewellery is renowned world-wide. For years traders and visitors to India have enjoyed the craftsmanship, quality, design and cost efficiency – now it’s time we return the gesture and bring the source to Dubai – the most promising destination for the gemstones and jewellery trade in recent times,” says Pankaj Parekh, vice-chairman, GJEPC.

“The GGJF presents a great opportunity to consolidate India’s exemplary gem and jewellery manufacturing expertise with Dubai’s status as the premier gold, diamond and precious stones jewellery hub to foster and further promote global trade. Spread over 30,000 sqft and with over 170 booths, around 130 exhibitors will showcase the very best in diamond, gold and colour stones. Being a premier invitation-only international trade fair, some 500 select buyers from across the globe will no doubt liaise with exemplary manufacturers and establish ample business opportunities,” adds Saunak Parikh, international exhibitions convener, GJEPC.